Jan 21, 2010 5:10 PM

Wow, you guys have inspired me to go for it! I have always wanted to be a runner but haven't had the time to train.... at least that's what I told myself. At age 42 and 20 lbs. overweight it will be a challenge but tired of making excuses. So happy I'm not alone!

I'm in the process of losing a few lbs myself, and I also have never been a runner. The best part is, now that I'm running for myself, and not because a coach is making me, I'm loving it. I wish you success, and hope you continue to keep it up!

Good luck on your training. I just started as well and haven't run in 6 years and turning 40 this year so in the same boat. It was difficult to find time when my kids were littler and dependent on mamabear so now it is finally time to put some of my needs on the front burner too. I don't think it is ever too late and the older we get the more we realize how important health and exercise can be for our bodies. Best of luck and stay on these forums b/c the motivation is key to being successful.

Kudos to you, mamasu! I also started running at age 42 and I'm going on 5 years now. I eventually started cross-training with swimming and biking and now I do 3-4 triathlons a year in addition to running events.

Start with a couple of 5Ks and once you're comfortable work your way up to a 10K and further if you really get the bug. Don't rush it, you have plenty of time. Listen to your body, you will get aches and pains but don't get disouraged because you will recover to run again another day.

Hi Cyndi, thanks so much for the encouragement. I need it! How far are you currently running? How long did it take you before it was just part of your life? I am calling a trainer today! I am scared but sooooo excited! Sue

Hello! Isn't it funny how so many of us started right in that 40+ age range. Like you, I started at 42, which was just two years ago. I'm not a high-mileage runner (only 15 - 20 miles per week right now, which is actually high for me). I've always taken a steady but low-intensity approach to it. Building a base for running taaaaaaakes tiiiiiiiiiiiime. I'm still improving, still increasing my fitness and endurance, and still getting a bit faster, a little at a time. The advantage we have in our 40s, I think, is that we have more patience than we did in our 20s. So that's my advice to you -- be patient with yourself. Slow, steady progress is great, and it'll help you avoid injury. Best of luck!

Today was my first day on the c25k program and I did it! Thanks for all your encouragement. I probably wouldn't have had the guts to start without it!!! This is a huge break through for me and it wasn't as bad as I thought!!! I'm officially a runner in training!

Mamasu - sorry I didn't see your post from the other day! I've been running since early July 2008 and was able to complete my first 5K in late September 2008 so just about 3 months give or take a week. I didn't start to run to run for me. My DS was training for a karate belt test and needed to build endurance and his sensei suggested running for him. Since he was 11 at the time and a little lazy (well a lot lazy really), I decided to get him moving I needed to move too. That was 80 pounds and lots of miles ago. I was hooked after the first month. I knew he would be stopping once he passed his test so I signed up for the 5K so I would keep going. I use races as a motivation tool...I sign up and train to run the race. Ran my first HM in October 2009 and will run my second in April. Before I started my new HM training plan (which is very different than how I trained for my first) I was averaging about 40 - 45miles a week. This new plan incorporates a lot of speed, interval and hill work so the mileage is cut down quite a bit but the quality of the miles has increased in intensity. In other words, more quality less quantity. I had read initially to train for long distances for endurance and speed second. Well I've got the endurance down, now I'm working on increasing speed. Running is my passion....I guess you can call it my midlife crisis...I've met amazing people, done things I've never thought I'd be able to do, and I look better than I've looked since I graduated high school (I'm totally serious about that). I finally have a healthy relationship with my body and my mind....because of that, I'll never stop running. I wish you the best and I hope you find that passion too....it is SOOO worth it.

Glad I happened upon this thread as I really feel good about my accomplishment. I was 55 when I started walking in May 2008, added running in December 2008 and participated in my first 5k in March 09. Second 5K in October 09 when I continuously ran the entire second half, and improved my pace by a full minute. Due to injuries (plantar faciatis) took some time off, but this month began to train for a 6K in April. I toy with the idea of a half marathon, but first want to run an entire 5k.

I have lost 20+ lbs, but most importantly I feel healthier and energized. Wish I had started this long ago, glad I started when I did.

By the way, did I mention that I was 50 lbs overweight when I started.

I am 41 and finishing week 6 with 38lbs to lose so it can be done. I will admit to putting two days of rest in between runs at the beginning of the program to compensate for my total and complete out of shape self. Enjoy it! It is very empowering and uplifting. You should float right into since you were a regular walker. We are here if you need anything.

Thanks! I can't wait until week 6! I'm so excited that I don't want to rest tomorrow. It wasn't easy but it was easier than I expected. I seriously wouldn't have started without you guys!!! How much have you lost so far?

That is awesome that you are starting running. My circumstance was somewhat the same in that I picked it up past forty and about 20 lbs overweight, but I had run track in HS and even a 5K in college, so for me it was "getting back into shape" after being out for a long long time.

My advice to you is to update your training log religiously. One of the things that kept me on the wagon this time (I've now been running since late 2005) is being able to look at the progress on a chart. My first time out, I ran about 1/2 mile and then walked to finish my 30 minute workout. It took me about 6 months to build my non-stop run distance up to 5K, but I did it and I honestly look forward to my runs now. When you get to 5K, find races to run. They are a great way to stay motivated.

I hope that you are successful and that you enjoy your new lifestyle as much as I do mine!

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